(Photo by Luis Samayoa/Stripes Okinawa)
Hannah Crain is a tattoo artist who, along with her husband, a recently retired Special Forces medic, own Dancing Needles Tattoo in Washington state. When I was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, a friend of mine told me that someone from our unit had a spouse that ran a tattoo parlor in Yelm. So, we decided to set up an appointment at the place, which happened to be Dancing Needles. My artist was incredibly professional with the needle. It was a good way to start the end of my chapter in JBLM with a new tattoo.
Dancing Needles Tattoo (Photo courtesy of Dancing Needles Tattoo)
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into the tattooing industry?
A. I am a Korean adoptee. I grew up in the small southern town of Ozark, Ala., just outside Fort Rucker. My father, a retired CW5 Blackhawk pilot, and my mother, a high school teacher, instilled in me discipline, creativity and a deep respect for community. It was in Ozark that I met my husband— then a flight medic, now a retired Special Forces medic — whose adventurous spirit matched my own. As a child, I often found myself doodling flowers and bees in the margins of my notebooks and spending hours at the piano. Art was always a quiet but steady presence in my life, a personal escape and a way to express myself. Still, in the conservative South, tattoos carried a stigma, and pursuing them as a career never crossed my mind. Instead, I focused on earning my business degree, all the while holding onto the dream of one day running something of my own, something that made a difference. That dream took shape when my husband and I opened our first tattoo studio in Fayetteville, N.C. , built, quite literally, with the help of soldier friends. In the beginning, I stayed behind the scenes, managing operations, but being surrounded by the hum of machines and the flow of ink changed everything. With mentorship from the talented artists who worked alongside us, I picked up a machine myself, discovering not just a skill but a calling. I am currently tattooing in our second studio, Dancing Needles Tattoo in Yelm, Wa.
Q. Have you ever done any tattoo work overseas?
A. I’ve never had the opportunity to tattoo outside the United States, but owning and tattooing in my studios has connected me with people from all over the world. I’ve tattooed clients from different countries, welcomed guest artists from abroad, and hired resident artists with diverse cultural backgrounds. Being surrounded by such a mix of perspectives has been eye-opening, a reminder that while our cultures may differ, art has a unique way of bringing us together.
Q. How do you balance military family life with the challenges of owning and operating a tattoo shop?
A. My husband recently retired from the military, but during his active-duty years, we faced our share of challenges. Balancing work and home life was something we were always intentional about, and still are. Different work schedules often meant we had to work harder to stay connected, making it a priority to carve out time for date nights or small getaways. When he was away, we also had the added task of juggling childcare. I was fortunate to have a strong network of fellow military spouses who helped me navigate those stretches apart, offering both practical help and a sense of community.
Q. Is the majority of your clientele military?
A. Our studio welcomes a mix of both military and civilian clients, each walking through the door with their own stories and reasons for being there. I often ask what brought them to us, and the answer I hear most is that they were drawn to the artistry in our portfolios and the welcoming atmosphere we’ve worked hard to create.
Q. Do you hire veterans who want to be or are tattoo artists?
A. Yes, we do! Currently, we have an apprentice who is nearing the end of his Army contract in one of our studios, and we’ve also welcomed former service members to our team. There’s no special application process. I would encourage aspiring artists to focus on building a strong portfolio and exploring a variety of tattoo styles. Understanding light sources, color theory and being able to showcase these skills in a portfolio is a major advantage. While having a hard copy of your portfolio is valuable, a well-curated digital portfolio is also a smart way to share your work and reach more opportunities.
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of running a tattoo studio while supporting a military household?
A. The most fulfilling part has been being able to give back to our community through our business. Through fundraisers and special projects, we’ve been able to support fallen soldiers, honor veterans and help civilians in need. It’s a reminder that the work we do with ink and needles can reach far beyond the studio walls, connecting us to something larger than ourselves.
Q. What is your style and approach as a tattoo artist?
A. I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of flowers and intricate patterns. Many of my clients seek me out for fine line floral designs, as well as geometric and mandala work, an art form that, in many ways, speaks for itself. Working with smaller needle groupings demands a steady hand. Ensuring perfect symmetry in geometric and mandala patterns can be a meticulous, yet deeply satisfying process.
Q. What advice can you give to someone who’s interested in getting into the tattooing industry?
A. I believe the tattoo industry is constantly evolving, and anyone considering it as a career should start by researching the laws and regulations in the state where they plan to work, as requirements vary widely. I also recommend reaching out to someone in the industry and finding a mentor who can guide them through the process. Tattooing is incredibly rewarding, but dedicating the time to learn the craft properly and uphold professional standards is something every aspiring artist should strive for.
Q. What is the absolute best thing about being a tattoo artist and why?
A. The most rewarding part of being a tattoo artist is the opportunity to help people celebrate, heal and create lasting memories through their tattoos. Forming genuine connections and witnessing the impact of the artwork is incredibly meaningful, and I feel truly grateful to be able to do this as my career.
(Photo by Hannah Crain)
(Photo by Hannah Crain)
(Photo by Hannah Crain)
(Photo by Hannah Crain)
(Photo by Hannah Crain)
flowers tattoos (Photo by Hannah Crain)
